The Wisconsin Chapter of 9to5, National Association of Working Women, requested an analysis of legislation regarding a state-based Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (PFMLI) program in Wisconsin. This planned legislation capitalizes on growing national momentum toward instituting paid family leave in the United States. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the researchers estimated the number of eligible workers and take-up rates under the planned Wisconsin PFMLI program. They also estimate average weekly benefit payouts and recommend an employee-side payroll deduction to fund the program. In crafting its recommendations, the group examined evidence from other states with established PFMLI programs as well as potential impacts of PFMLI on individuals, businesses, and the statewide economy.
Workshop Reports
The Workshop in Public Affairs (PA 869) and the Workshop in International Public Affairs (PA 860) are the capstone courses for our master’s degree programs.
Working in teams, students produce research-based, analytical, evaluative, and prescriptive reports for clients in the public, non-governmental, and private sectors that range from municipal government offices to international development organizations.
Digital Learning Trends and Promising Practices in Wisconsin Public School Districts
Since 2010, U.S. employers created millions of jobs that require digital literacy. Because the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction strives to make children college and career ready, digital learning is now a critical component of Wisconsin’s schools. This report analyzes the state of digital learning in Wisconsin using district-level survey data of 398 of Wisconsin’s public school districts and nine semi-structured interviews from three of those districts. This report evaluates digital learning through four focus areas, planning, content, staffing, and infrastructure. Analysis suggests that on the whole, Wisconsin’s schools are planning around digital learning, but persistent gaps based on locale, race, and socioeconomic status exist. Recommendations include emphasizing professional development focused on digital learning, collecting data at the school level, and fostering inter-district knowledge mobilization.
Using a Resilience Strategy to Address the Social Effects of Climate Change in Madison, Wisconsin
The greater Madison area recently experienced extreme climate events, namely the August 2018 floods and the January 2019 polar vortex. In response, the City of Madison requested an analysis of how Madison can become more resilient to these sorts of events. This report begins by identifying populations in Madison who will face disproportionate social effects associated with extreme climate events. It also looks to peer cities in various stages of resilience planning to help determine best practices for creating a Madison-specific resilience strategy. Key recommendations include targeting the year 2023 for the completion of a resilience strategy and hiring a Chief Resilience Officer, who will spearhead the resilience planning process.
Transforming Treatment in Thiotte: Recommendations for Building Accountability and Sustainability at Centre de Santé Sacré-Coeur de Thiotte
Haiti Medical Mission of Wisconsin (HMMW), a 501(c)(3) organization, works to provide quality healthcare access to the people of Thiotte, Haiti, and surrounding communities through its medical mission trips and support of Centre de Santé Sacré-Coeur de Thiotte (CSST), a permanent, Haitian-run clinic. The remoteness of the clinic has exacerbated personnel issues, administrative challenges, and infrastructure problems. For CSST to become more secure, HMMW is looking to work with the clinic to develop systems of sustainability and accountability and asked La Follette School students to assist in the identification of concern areas and make subsequent recommendations. HMMW plans to use this work to secure further funding and establish additional partnerships.
Child Material Deprivation in the United States
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is developing a child well-being strategy as part of its Inclusive Growth initiative that aims to share experiences and seek solutions to common issues around child welfare. This report uses American Community Survey (ACS) data to assess the level of children’s material deprivation in the United States, identify common forms of deprivation, and examine the extent to which household income and other familial characteristics affect the risk of multiple deprivations. The report finds that the most common forms of deprivation for children in the United States are living in over-crowded and severely cost-burdened housing, while children from low-income households have substantially higher risk of experiencing multiple material deprivations in a given year.
Agricultural entrepreneurship: opportunities for Nepali youth
This report provides a holistic view of agricultural entrepreneurship in Nepal, with a particular focus on the barriers faced by returning migrants.
Evaluation of the Wisconsin Assisted Living Regulatory System
This study for Wisconsin’s Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has addressed the question of how to promote and maintain effectiveness in ensuring regulatory compliance and resident protection under such conditions.
Changes to Wisconsin’s Driver’s License Reinstatement Policy
Upon release from prison, persons convicted of an OWI offense are required to complete treatment before having their driver’s license reinstated.
Addressing Income Volatility of Low-Income Populations
This report highlights the importance of income volatility and discusses policies, programs, and products that can mitigate income volatility for low-income individuals.
City of Milwaukee: Construction Mitigation Program
This report designs a package of construction mitigation services that the City of Milwaukee could implement to limit the negative impact construction projects have on surrounding businesses.